Lawn Drainage Advice

Hi All,

Just moved to an area with heavy clay soil and the original lawn just could not drain, I have installed land drains hoping that will cure it, I have not relaid the lawn yet, my question is as the dry weather has caused the clay to crack and open up, what would be the best thing to aid drainage before the soil swells, would sharp sand be any good to fill the cracks or should I put something that will break down the clay, if so what? Thanks in advance from a complete novice.

Ian

 

I would leave it strictly alone at the moment - until we have had a thorough soaking - enough that you can work it with a fork going down a good 3-4 inches - and prepare the surface well, filling in the cracks and working in lots of organic matter if you can find some. Filling the cracks with sand, will just leave areas of fast drainage, which will give you a patchy lawn.

 

I'd not worry about the patchiness - the roots will make their way to where the water is. Take advantage and get some washed co**** sharp sand in. I'd guess the area must have been pretty well totalled by installing the drainage, so I would be inclined to not work it too much more to avoid losing the soil structure. If you do decide to dig it over then add lime to keep the clay friable and like Fran says add whatever organic matter you can get hold of into it.

 

AAgh! Of course...the curse of the co*rse language again. Its a fair cop - I've been moderated :(

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply, will horse manure be OK to try and dig in or is there something better?

 

Well rotted horse manure may be a bit rich (great for roses though) - but that mixed with grass cuttings and kitchen veggie scaps, and newspaper paper should give you a good compost in a few months - following normal composting methods.

The addition of organic matter is to help break up the clay - rather than feed it but any rotted vegetable matter will do.